I agree with some of this. By all means go abroad for PPL and some hours - it is cheaper and quicker. But I would then come back and whilst studying plug away at the last 50 or so hours. Things are different here and any saving in hour builing that last 50 may be lost in extra CPL instruction (dual!) time.
That way you are staying current whilst flying.
I let the flying slip a bit whilst studying and now I wish I hadn't.